How to Fix Funky Resume Formatting

Poor formatting on a resume can make the document difficult to read. Since most hiring authorities only spend about 15-30 seconds reviewing a resume, it is important to make the document as "user friendly" as possible to improve the chances of piquing the hiring manager's interest. Below are three common formatting mistakes I see on resumes and recommendations for improvement.

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Wasted space.The category headings for experience, education, etc. are at the far left. That means there is a lot of wasted space in the document that could have been filled with quality information about your candidacy. Place category headings at the far left or centered and write information about your job responsibilities and accomplishments directly below. Place employment dates to the far right rather than the far left to optimize space on the resume.

Work experience

2007-2008
XYZ Distribution Center
Knoxville, TN
Associate

Unloaded lay-down and non lay-down tractor trailers

Scanned incoming merchandise

Performed quality assurance on incoming merchandise

1995-2006
ABC Manufacturers
Knoxville, TN
Laborer

Sheared metal plates up to 20 feet long and 5/8 inches thick

Utilized press brakes with 200 tons of braking capacity on metal up to 24 feet long

Rolled metal plates up to 10 feet in length and 5/8 inch thick

Finished metal using a steel shot blaster

Proficiently used overhead cranes

Education

XYZ High School

References

Available upon request

1. Too many bullets.

When you list more than five or six bullets in a row on a resume, the content begins to look like one big paragraph with polka dots rather than defined accomplishments. Break up the text by grouping long lists into themes based on competency. Competency headings could be things like office administration skills, sales, operations experience, financial management, etc.

XYZ Phone CompanyOperational Technical Support Manager 2003 – Present

Manage technical team of 18 wireless industry IT professionals and oversee 120 floor personnel in call center environment providing second level wireless support solutions and technical training for business.

Lead cross-functional business and IT strategy teams to redesign IT processes to better meet customer goals, resulting in improved productivity, response time and reduced expenses.

2. Big blocks of text.

Using a paragraph format makes it difficult for anything to stand out. Hiring managers' eyes glaze over when they see big blocks of text. They are pressed for time and need the facts quickly. Turn your paragraph into a concise bulleted list of achievements for better results.

Regional Driver, XYZ Company

Drive semi tractor-trailer combinations within the 11 western states and western region. Hauling freight of all types and kind to various customers in a timely and safe fashion. Work with customers to ensure their 100% satisfaction. Operate semi tractor-trailer along a dedicated lane on the contract for the XYZ company in a timely and safe manor. Work with shipping clerk with shipping and receiving of freight in a timely and safe fashion. Maintain complete and accurate paper logs as to comply with the rules and regulations of the Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and XYZ Company Express. Use the onboard "Quall Comm" system to maintain contact with fleet managers at terminal locations.

Driver, ABC Company

Drive tractor/trailer combinations and straight trucks on designated routes delivering and rotating customer product including pastry and dairy products to Coffee House Restaurants throughout Northern and parts of Central California and Northern Nevada on designated routes. All deliveries are made on a timed basis, with service guaranteed to the customer on an attended as well as unattended/keyed basis, where I am charged with unlocking door, turning off store alarm, making the delivery, resetting the alarm, and locking the door on my way out.

Pick up and deliver truckload shipments between Northern Nevada, Northern, Central, and Southern California to include Downtown Los Angeles, and San Diego. Responsible for the proper loading and unloading of freight, to include, but not limited to, insuring that all shipments arrive on time, while maintaining proper temperature of frozen product. Maintain proper control of all documents and paper work attached with all shipments. Maintain a daily log of all activities as required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Department of Transportation and ABC Company.